The Eastern Mediterranean is once again in turmoil; in addition to proxy wars (in Syria and Iraq) and the occupation of Cyprus, there is no president or functioning government in Lebanon, which is also in the midst of an open conflict with Israel in the south. Furthermore, Turkey is threatening its neighbours, Israel is faced with daily security issues, the Sinai Peninsula is no longer safe, the refugee problem is adding to the region's woes, and the rule of international law is being increasingly violated. The arrival in the region of a new powerful world player, Russia, and of an indomitable |